Today we’re thrilled to reveal the cover for Two New Years by Richard Ho, illustrated by Lynn Scurfield! The book was designed by Jay Marvel, edited by Naomi Kirsten, and originally acquired by Feather Flores. The title will be released on August 8, 2023 by Chronicle Books. Preorder it here, here, or here. Keep scrolling for exclusive notes from the author and illustrator!
This warm and welcoming New Year celebration invites readers to learn about Rosh Hashanah and Lunar New Year traditions and to reflect on the rich blends of cultures and traditions in their own lives.
For this multicultural family, inspired by the author’s own, two New Years mean twice as much to celebrate! In the fall, Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, offers an opportunity to bake challah, dip apples in honey, and lift voices in song. In the spring, Lunar New Year brings a chance to eat dumplings, watch dragon dances, and release glowing lanterns that light up the sky.
With bright, joyful prose and luminous illustrations, Richard Ho and Lynn Scurfield invite readers of all backgrounds to experience the beauty of two New Year traditions, paying homage to the practices that make each unique while illuminating the values of abundance, family, and hope that they share.
Full of opportunities to reflect on the rich blends of cultures and traditions in our lives, this moving picture book is a beautiful reminder that, at heart, our celebrations might not be so different after all.
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A word from the author:
As a Chinese American who converted to Judaism, I’m delighted to share this book with all readers, and especially those who find themselves bridging two or more worlds. Two New Years is especially close to my heart because it reflects the duality of my children’s experience. They’re growing up with the rituals and traditions of two cultures that intertwine so beautifully. With Lynn’s breathtaking illustrations bringing this story to life, I hope the joyful depictions of Rosh Hashana and Lunar New Year celebrations inspire everyone to look for the common threads that bind us all together. — Richard Ho
A word from the illustrator:
Two New Years was one of those books that I knew instantly I had to illustrate. I myself am half-Chinese, my step-family is Jewish, and never in a million years did I think I’d have the chance to illustrate a story that felt so close to home. This book allowed me to learn more about both celebrations, gave me time to delve into papercut art, and is a project I am deeply thankful to be a part of. Many thanks to Richard for sharing the story of his family and the team over at Chronicle for creating such a beautiful book. I hope you all enjoy reading about these two New Year Celebrations! — Lynn Scurfield
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Richard Ho is Chinese, Jewish, and an author . . . in any order you wish! His previous books include The Lost Package, illustrated by Jessica Lanan, and Year of the Cat, illustrated by Jocelyn Li Langrand. He loves to craft stories about diverse cultures and the delightful ways they intertwine. He and his proudly multicultural family live in the melting pot of New Jersey.
Lynn Scurfield‘s work is defined by bright colors, fun textures, and strong emotions. In their spare time, Lynn enjoys knitting, watching tours of beautiful houses online, and going on hikes with Taro, her small (but barky) dog. Lynn resides in Toronto, Canada.
